The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee recently voted in favor of S.944, The Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2013, and started the process to pass this legislation by unanimous consent. S. 944 includes many provisions pertaining directly and indirectly to tribes which can provide much needed assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans.

There is a hold on the legislation that is keeping it from Senate passage. With only a few calendar days before the session ends the NCAI requests that you contact your senators and urge them to support passage of the legislation by unanimous consent or when it comes up for a vote.

S.944:* Allows VA to recognize representatives of Indian tribes as individuals eligible to represent veterans in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits;* Requires VA to carry out a two-year program to assess the feasibility and advisability of entering into memoranda of understanding with at least ten local or state governments and two tribal organizations to improve the quality of disability compensation claims and to provide claims submittal assistance to veterans who may be eligible for disability compensation or pension;* Extends counseling and treatment to service members who suffered sexual trauma while serving on inactive duty training (applicable to reservists and National guard);* Requires medical examinations in the case of a claim for disability compensation based on a mental health condition related to military sexual trauma, if the evidence of record before the Secretary does not contain a diagnosis and opinion by a mental health professional that may assist in corroborating the occurrence of a military sexual trauma stressor; and* Requires states receiving Jobs for Veterans State Grants to recognize military experience when issuing licenses and credentials to veterans in order to improve their employment prospects.

To contact your senator's office, phone the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.